Juana Geraldino, a resident at Stone Bridge Center of Health and Rehabilitation, celebrated turning 104 with a birthday party surrounded by family and friends on Friday, July 11.

Stone Bridge Center residents and staff gradually joined the celebration of Juana’s big day.

Juana was joined by her daughters Mercedes Pavon and America Geraldino, as well as her son-in-law and Pavon’s husband Dean Odice, for the special occasion. They were ready at a moment’s notice to translate what others were saying into Spanish for Juana.

Having so many people there to celebrate her birthday, Juana said, made her really happy and excited. In fact, Juana was so excited that Pavon said she kept telling her daughter how much she was looking forward to it.

She added many friends, relatives and others had been calling Juana, all wishing her a happy birthday.

“She was so excited about the place, the birthday, and that everybody was gonna be here,” Pavon said.

Pavon said it was a little difficult getting to Stone Bridge Center, especially after getting stuck in some traffic, but it was more than worth it to be there for her mother’s special day.

“I just can’t believe that she’s 104 years old,” Pavon said. “It’s very surprising, but I’m so excited about it and happy she’s still here.”

According to her daughter, Juana lived in Florida for a long time before moving to Connecticut. The move came about because Pavon wanted Juana to live nearby so she could see and be available for her. Pavon and Odice live a short distance away from the Toddy Hill Road facility. Pavon said she and her sister visit often.

If there is anything Pavon said she wanted to remember about her mother and this moment, it would be her teasing yet encouraging personality.

Pavon laughed as she shared Juana often tells her to work out. She said Juana also uses a lot of natural medicine and is an avid tea drinker, frequently encouraging others to drink tea, too.

“So those are the things that I’ll always remember,” Pavon said with a smile.

Juana is also a big fan of the color pink, with Pavon calling it “her color.” To that end, the Stone Bridge Center staff gave Juana a pink and black sash and a matching silver and pink crown that each read Birthday Princess.

“I was surprised,” Juana said of seeing the crown, adding, “This is beautiful.”

Behind Juana’s sparkly table was an arch of white and light pink balloons. Even her birthday cake — a yellow cake with raspberry filling — was decorated with several pink flowers and dark pink frosting written out to say Happy 104th Birthday Juana.

Stone Bridge Center staff also hung a few brightly colored flowers on the ceiling and along the wall.

Performing wife-and-husband duo Vera and Phil Martino also attended the party. They wished Juana a happy birthday before Phil played song after song on his guitar, including “Paloma Blanca” by George Baker Selection, “Bye Bye Love” by the Everly Lovers, “Buttons and Bows” by Dinah Shore, and many other familiar songs.

Vera danced up and down the aisle of the room while guests clapped and swayed to classic songs.

All the while, Juana’s family recorded the event for their other family members who live far away.

First Selectman Jeffrey Capeci visited and presented Juana with a Proclamation from the Town of Newtown.

“On your birthday ... the Town of Newtown hereby recognizes Juana as a person of compassion and kindness,” Capeci said. “Congratulations on your 104th birthday.”

Stone Bridge Center staff members then served drinks and slices of Juana’s cake to the attendees. For those who could not have cake due to dietary restrictions or another reason, alternative treats were also provided.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.